Experience the rhythm of Bastia Tourism

Wander through the narrow streets and stroll along the Old Port, take a break on Place Saint-Nicolas, admire the view from the Citadel, discover local artisans and island creativity through the Creazione Festival: so many remarkable places to explore and experience Bastia, a city of culture, heritage, legend, and dolce vita.
Find all these visits at the Tourist Office.

City of Art and History

Set off to explore the heritage of Bastia, a City of Art and History. Its monuments, buildings, churches and historic squares tell the story of Corsica and showcase the legacy of a city long under Genoese rule.

• The Governors’ Palace, the seat of Genoese power from the 16th century until Corsica was annexed by France in 1768. Overlooking the city with an exceptional view of the sea, this imposing building now houses Bastia’s city museum and hosts many events and exhibitions throughout the year.
• The Citadel of Bastia retraces the city’s history. Fully restored, it now offers residents a picturesque and preserved setting and contains many treasures that can be visited on foot: the Governors’ Palace, the Louis XVI Gate, Donjon Square, Sainte-Marie Cathedral, and the Sainte-Croix Oratory.
• The Chapel of the Scala Santa, located in the hills above Bastia, holds a rare historical monument: a “scala santa” (holy staircase), recalling the Passion of Christ, granted to the people of Bastia by Pope Pius VII in 1816.
• Sainte-Marie Cathedral, built between 1604 and 1619, houses a magnificent silver statue of the Virgin Mary, carried through the streets every year during the August 15th procession.
• Saint John the Baptist Church, dating from 1636, features numerous works of art, including the silver tabernacle of the high altar, crafted in the 19th century by an Italian silversmith. The feast of Saint John is celebrated every June 23rd with a bonfire.
• Rue Napoléon, near Place Saint-Nicolas and fully pedestrian since 2013, is home to two remarkable buildings: the Oratory of Sainte-Croix and the Oratory of the Immaculate Conception. It also offers many shopping opportunities: designer workshops, souvenir shops, local products, ice cream parlours, and restaurants.
• Romieu Garden, dating from the 19th century and located between the Citadel and the Old Port, is the perfect spot to relax with sea views.
• The Old Port, at the foot of the Citadel, has preserved its colourful, old buildings that give it a Tuscan charm. It is one of the trendiest spots in the city, along with the Citadel.
• Place du Marché, near the Old Port, is the perfect place to sample local products: fritters, cheese, cured meats, jam, honey, and many other flavours await you on this lovely square lined with plane trees.
• Place Saint-Nicolas, ideal for enjoying lunch on a terrace, having an aperitif, enjoying family-friendly rides, and attending events organised throughout the seasons.
• The Mantinum, the name given to the city by the Romans, is a new space inaugurated in 2020 that provides direct access to the Old Port from the Citadel via the lift below the Governors’ Palace or the Romieu Garden staircase.
• U Spassimare, runs from the Toga Marina to Arinella Beach. This pleasant seaside promenade invites you to relax on the deck chairs and benches along the way.
• Aldilonda, a popular seaside promenade to start—or end—the day, beginning at the Old Port.

Guided Tours

Tradition and authenticity shape life in Bastia. Throughout the year, you can check the calendar of key events to enjoy a stay full of warmth, sharing, and local experiences.

• Les Légendines, discover Bastia through the mirror of time. A walking tour from Place Saint-Nicolas to the Citadel with a certified guide: anecdotes, historical facts, legends, and surprises. The tour ends with a private Corsican polyphonic concert in one of the city’s oratories, followed by a tasting of local products.
  When: every Tuesday. Duration: 2h30. Price: €20 per person. Free for children under 12. Tickets available at the Bastia Tourist Office, Place Saint-Nicolas.
• Bastia in Cantu, a journey to the heart of Corsican polyphony. A concert in Saint John the Baptist Church, filled with identity and emotion.
  When: Fridays from June to September. Duration: 1h. Price: €15 per person. Free for children under 12. Tickets available at the Bastia Tourist Office, Place Saint-Nicolas.
• Petit Train Touristique de Bastia, discover Bastia’s typical quarters and squares.
  When: April to October. Duration: 50 minutes. Prices: Adults: €8 / Children: €3.50 / Groups: €7. Tickets available at the Bastia Tourist Office, Place Saint-Nicolas.
• In Giru, an innovative way to admire the landscape and heritage through projections of photographed faces by Corsican artist Philippe Echeroux, mainly onto trees. A five-stop itinerary: starting in Furiani south of Bastia, then Bastia’s centre, Ville de Pietrabugno, San Martinu di Lota, and ending in Miomu, Cap Corse. An open-air exhibition, visible day and night, offering a poetic and inspiring journey.

Activities and Leisure

For nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, and all those eager for new adventures—or simply to enjoy time between sea and mountains—take advantage of hiking trails and outdoor activities in the Bastia region.

What to See and Do Around Bastia

The Villages

Numerous picturesque villages stretch between sea and mountains in the Bastia hinterland. From Cardo to Furiani, passing through Santa Maria di Lota, San Martino di Lota, and Ville di Pietrabugno, each one bears witness to the rural life of the past and reveals its hidden treasures: old ovens, fountains, washhouses, and olive presses tucked away among the surrounding maquis and chestnut trees.

Cap Corse

A unique and rare heritage site, this “island within the island” is one of Corsica’s most magnificent regions. Its landscapes, Genoese towers, chapels, churches, grain mills, seaside hamlets (marines), coastal trails, and the famous Palazzi di l’Americani scattered across the villages transport you to an exceptional place—a land of sailors and adventurers.

But Cap Corse is also the Wine Route, where you can discover local grape varieties from Luri to Macinaggio, and award-winning wines from Patrimoniu, not to mention the festive atmosphere that fills the air each summer during Les Nuits de la Guitare. In Saint-Florent, unspoiled natural beauty awaits you in one of the most stunning gulfs of the Mediterranean.

The Wine Route

Stretching for about 53 kilometres from Luri to Macinaggio, the Wine Route showcases the vineyards and producers of the Cap Corse region. Winemakers will be delighted to welcome you into their cellars and introduce you to their craft. Three main grape varieties are cultivated in these estates: Niellucciu, Sciaccarellu, and Vermentinu, all flourishing in the shade of Cap Corse.

The Route of Authentic Senses

(A strada di i sensi autentichi)

From the tip of Cap Corse to the Agriates Desert, nearly 68 producers and artisans open the doors of their farms and workshops to share their know-how. Dive into their agricultural world, discover their creations, and experience traditional skills passed down through generations. Expect warm encounters, shared passion, and authentic flavours.

Boat Excursions

Along the coastline, numerous sea excursions await you—from Bastia to Cap Corse. Whether you prefer cruising on a large boat or enjoying the thrill of a semi-rigid vessel for a more adventurous outing, the choice is yours. Explore the Marine Natural Park at the island’s northern tip, the pristine beaches of the Agriates Desert, and the Genoese towers standing like sentinels over the coast. All of this is offered with the utmost respect for the environment, nature, and wildlife, which depend on peace and preservation to thrive.

Visit the Museums of Corsica

To better understand Corsican history, there’s nothing like discovering it through its museums. From Bastia to Aleria and Lucciana, journey through time:

• Bastia – Musée de Bastia at the Governors’ Palace
• Aleria – Jérôme Carcopino Archaeological Museum
• Lucciana – Archaeological Museum of Mariana – Prince Rainier III of Monaco

The Route of Authentic Senses – A strada di i sensi

The Route of Authentic Senses extends across the many territories surrounding Bastia. Meet men and women who are deeply passionate about their land and fully dedicated to local production. From Bastia, explore Haute-Corse and sample the best regional products. Discover:

• The Genoese Towers and Maisons des Américains in Nebbiu and Cap Corse
• Hiking and cultural discovery in Niolu, Castagniccia, and Casinca
• The tourist circuit of the Eastern Plain in Corsica Livantina
• The land of Pasquale Paoli in Central Corsica
• The “Garden of Corsica” in the Balagne region

Each stop reveals a unique identity and a mosaic of Corsican heritage, traditions, and landscapes.

The Corsican Designers' Festival

Men, Women, and Island Know-How

Dedicated to insular creativity, the Creazione Festival returns from 12 to 14 June 2025 to celebrate its 10th edition.

An original creation by Bastia Tourism, the festival has, since its first edition in 2015, brought together the strength and identity of Corsica through universal themes: fashion, art, design, painting, dance, wellness, accessories, and more. For three days, the city of Bastia comes alive at the heart of the Citadel and the Governors’ Palace through this vibrant event.

Now recognised as the leading showcase of Corsican creativity, the festival welcomes each year new ambassadors of island innovation, exclusively made in Corsica. All exhibitors—artists, artisans, fashion designers, stylists, graphic artists, leatherworkers, jewellers—are selected based on a single key criterion: they must live and work in Corsica.

This is the guiding principle of the festival and Bastia Tourism: to make Corsica a daily source of inspiration

Travel Advisors at Your Service

Accommodation, tours, bookings, useful apps, personalised advice to make the most of your stay... A dedicated, professional team is here to welcome you every day at the Tourist Office.

Contact & Address:

Bastia Tourist Office – Place Saint-Nicolas – 20200 Bastia
Phone: +33 (0)4 95 54 20 40
Email: accueil@bastia-tourisme.corsica
Website: www.bastia-tourisme.com

On-site and online ticketing
Boutique available

Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday – from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday – from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Languages Spoken:
French
English
German
Italian

By Plane

How to Get Here

Book your flight with Air Corsica, partner of the Bastia Tourist Office, from Brussels-Charleroi, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, and Paris, at the best price, and take the opportunity to explore the region at your own pace.

Air Corsica’s Advantages & Services to Discover the Region

Take advantage of preferential rates, save money, and enjoy exclusive benefits offered by the airline all year round:

• Drive + Auto: book your flight and rental car at the same time. Enjoy a special rate of €29 incl. tax per day with our partner Hertz in Corsica (offer subject to conditions).
• Drive + Moto: flight + motorbike, an exclusive offer in Corsica with our partner Envie2Rouler: rates starting from €45 per day (offer subject to conditions).
• Air Corsica Mea: a subscription card accessible to everyone.
• Air Corsica Plus: a subscription card designed for business travellers.
• Corsica Trip: the best private sale deals.
• Jegagagne1billet.com: a free flight to reward your loyalty.
• Flying Blue: earn Miles when flying on our routes.
• Hotels in Corsica: discover our partner hotels.

Onboard Services

Travel in comfort by selecting your seat in advance, access our entertainment platform, enjoy snacks and drinks, and consider travel insurance with our partner Assurever.